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CURRENT THERAPY OF RESPIRATORY DISEASE
~ ~IIII.
the bOOkshel1
PULMONARY PEARLS. Edited by SAliN & HEFFNER. Philadelphia: Hanley
& Belfus, 1988,225 pp, $29.00
This hook is the outcome of hi-weekly chest conferences from clinical services of the three Medical Universities (;1' South Carolina. The text contains cases of 100 patients presented as brief clinical summaries. Two or three pages are devoted to each case. The first page contains a short history, results of physical examination, lahoratorv findings and a chest radiograph. The subsequent page discloses actual diagnosis and is devoted to discussion, differeutial diagnosis and therapeutic management. Unique features of the case are documented under "clinical pearls." Current references at the end of each case is of added value f()r fellows needing advanced information for research purpose..'s. Tlu-r« an' onlv 1.5 cast's (ie, cases 6. 9. 10. 11, 13. 26. 29. 42. 4H. 57. M. SO. SI. 9S and 96) that have straightforward. uncomplicated primary lung disease. The rest of the cases presented han> multiple pathologies, hence an array of unusual and interesting pulmonary problems are presented that could he of immense help to practicing physicians and house offiet'rs in pulmonary medicine. and an ideal study aid for physicians preparing for the pulmonary and internal medicine hoard examinations. Comprehensive indexing is very useful for easy and simple consultation. It is a soltcover hook, relatively cheap, should he consulted freely hy those involved in a management of patients with chest disease. Moliih-Ur..Rehman Qazi. At.D. Mansehra, Pakistan
ADVERSE REACTIONS TO DRUG FORMULATION AGENTS. A HANDBOOK OF EXCIPIENTS. By Murray Weiner and I. Leonard Bernstein. New York: Marcel Dekker, 1989, 480 pp, $125.00 Modern medicines are prepared for commercial distribution by mixing active ingredients with various inactive substances, which are collectively known as excipients, These excipients are added to the active drug substances to provide bulk, [acilitate manufacture on high-speed equipment, enhance bioavailahihty, increase stability, or improve palatability. This volume collates reported instances of adverse reactions to excipients. It was published as part of the Clinical Pharmacologu Series, edited by Dr. Weiner. The book is divided into five parts. Part I is a general discussion of adverse reactions, allergic reactions and hypersensitivity. This section provides a concise understanding of the types of reactions which can he elicited by forei~n chemicals. One chapter is devoted to applicable diagnostic procedures. Skin tests, immune complexes, patch tests and others are used to determine the type of adverse reaction. Part II examines non-allergic adverse effects of different classes of excipients: hulk materials, coatings, Havorings, and colors, Following a brief discussion of the usage of the material, adverse reactions which have been reported for the excipient are described. The discussion compares the amounts of excipient generally used in medicaments to the amounts needed to elicit the side effects. The comprehensive survey includes buffers, preservatives, propellants, materials used for microencapsulation. and packaging materials. Part III addresses allergic reactions for the same classes of excipients, Immunologic reactivity according to type, and pseudoallergic responses are documented. Coloring agents are classified according to chemical class. Tartrazine-containing and tartrazine-free products are listed. Device materials are discussed in part IV Although there are only a few documented reports on adverse reactions, concerns about several different devices, appliances and delivery systems are presented. The effects of plasticizers, colorants and additive materials are cited. Each chapter is accompanied by an extensive list of references. In addition to an index, the authors have provided a section derived from the Inactive Ingredient Guide prepared by the Food and Drug Administration. This list includes inactive ingredients in currently marketed drug products, grouped by route of administration. . The current trend is for pharmaceutical manufacturers to include the inactive ingredients on labels and in package inserts. In the event of an adverse reaction, this book can help physicians attribute the clinical observation to an excipient in the medication. The industrial pharmaceutical scientist or practicing pharmacist who are involved in compounding dosage forms can use this volume to assist in the selection of excipients. The collation of information relating to abnormal responses and acceptability of excipients is a valuable single source of reliable
16
information. The text is readable and encompasses a broad range offormulation materials, including many which are being formulated into new drug delivery systems. A few typographic errors do not detract from the usefulness of this book as a reference. The index, tables and the organization of the chapters allow multiple access to the wealth of information. ]ames A. Fattu, M.D. Ph.D. East Hanover; New Jersey
CURRENT THERAPY OF RESPIRATORY DISEASE, 3rd ed, Edited by R":LJBEN N. CIIEHNIACIC Philadelphia: BC Decker, 1989, 372 pp, $58.50 The inclusion of 89 chapters by 146 contributors in a hook with only 361 pages of text suggests superficial coverage. However, this book achieves an admirable balance between brevitv and useful detail. A reasonable uniformitv has been achieved without submcrgiug the authors' individual styles. Th~ relative lengths and thoroughness of coverage of the chapters are appropriate for the topics. Most chapters progress appropriately from a brief introduction of the topic. to relevant pathophysiology, to management issues, with an emphasis on new developments. Treatment recommendations are specific, hut controversies, personal opinions, and uncertainties are freely acknowledged. Tables and figures are used sparingly hut well. References are not called out in the text, but an average per chapter of six articles or books are listed as suggested reading. Occasional citations as late as 1987 or 1988 are found; most chapters cite the literature up to 1986. The hook is attractively produced; the print is small hut readable in the two-column format. This book is obviously is not intended as a textbook of pulmonology. A Iamiliaritv with chest disease is needed in order to benefit from the dis('ussio;ls. Almost a third of the chapters deal with specific infections, and treatment issues arc discussed in greater detail than are other clinical issues. Even the longer chapters - such as the one on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosisdevote most of their length to a discussion of management. This hook remains true to its stated purpose: hy limiting its emphasis, it distinguishes itself from the other pulmonary update hooks recently available. Approached as a review of new and current management of a hroad range of pulmonary disorders, this well written and tightly edited hook will he enjoyable and useful for the pulmonologist. It is a worthy successor to the previous two editions.
Arthur G. Robins, .\t.D. Manchester: New Hampshire
CRITICAL CARE. Edited by JOSEPH M. CIVI-:TT:\, ROBERT W TA...LOR, and ROBERT R. KIRBv. Philadelphia: JB Lippincott Company, 1988, 1,769 pp, $125.00 Critical care medicine is a burgeoning specialty, integrating many disciplines in the care of seriously ill patients. However, there is a need for a textbook which specifically addresses the problems of perioperative surgical patients. This book brings together many specialists (166 contributors) in an attempt to address the issues of surgical critical care. The structure of each chapter is focused initially on immediate concerns, with a subsequent expansion of the topic so that the book may be used both to treat acute problems as well as serve as a comprehensive reference (although the size of this volume precludes carrying it around.) Selective presentation of subspecialty patients likely to be encountered in the leU setting (e~, vascular, transplant, cardiac surgery, and trauma) expands the applications of the text. The authors responsible for these chapters present the issues most likely to be of benefit for the surgical critical care specialist called upon to take care of their patients in the leu. Complex medical illnesses frequently complicate surgical disease; therefore, an ability to recognize and treat these, as well as make optimal use of the new technologies (invasive hemodynamic monitoring, pacemakers, and imaging), is important for practitioners. Descriptions of key points in technical procedures are accompanied by acceptable illustrations; however, I would not rely on this book alone for guidance in performing procedures. Limitations of current technologies, potential complications and common sources of errors are also cited. The section on metabolism and pharmacology gave somewhat short shrift to nutritional management of these patients, with little guidance for actual application and no discussion of alternative amino acid formulations. Reproduction of the entire pharmacy intravenous piggyback compatability chart is superfluous. However, in general, balanced reviews of controversial issues
Continued on page 19
the bOOkshel1
PULMONARY PEARLS. Edited by SAliN & HEFFNER. Philadelphia: Hanley
& Belfus, 1988,225 pp, $29.00
This hook is the outcome of hi-weekly chest conferences from clinical services of the three Medical Universities (;1' South Carolina. The text contains cases of 100 patients presented as brief clinical summaries. Two or three pages are devoted to each case. The first page contains a short history, results of physical examination, lahoratorv findings and a chest radiograph. The subsequent page discloses actual diagnosis and is devoted to discussion, differeutial diagnosis and therapeutic management. Unique features of the case are documented under "clinical pearls." Current references at the end of each case is of added value f()r fellows needing advanced information for research purpose..'s. Tlu-r« an' onlv 1.5 cast's (ie, cases 6. 9. 10. 11, 13. 26. 29. 42. 4H. 57. M. SO. SI. 9S and 96) that have straightforward. uncomplicated primary lung disease. The rest of the cases presented han> multiple pathologies, hence an array of unusual and interesting pulmonary problems are presented that could he of immense help to practicing physicians and house offiet'rs in pulmonary medicine. and an ideal study aid for physicians preparing for the pulmonary and internal medicine hoard examinations. Comprehensive indexing is very useful for easy and simple consultation. It is a soltcover hook, relatively cheap, should he consulted freely hy those involved in a management of patients with chest disease. Moliih-Ur..Rehman Qazi. At.D. Mansehra, Pakistan
ADVERSE REACTIONS TO DRUG FORMULATION AGENTS. A HANDBOOK OF EXCIPIENTS. By Murray Weiner and I. Leonard Bernstein. New York: Marcel Dekker, 1989, 480 pp, $125.00 Modern medicines are prepared for commercial distribution by mixing active ingredients with various inactive substances, which are collectively known as excipients, These excipients are added to the active drug substances to provide bulk, [acilitate manufacture on high-speed equipment, enhance bioavailahihty, increase stability, or improve palatability. This volume collates reported instances of adverse reactions to excipients. It was published as part of the Clinical Pharmacologu Series, edited by Dr. Weiner. The book is divided into five parts. Part I is a general discussion of adverse reactions, allergic reactions and hypersensitivity. This section provides a concise understanding of the types of reactions which can he elicited by forei~n chemicals. One chapter is devoted to applicable diagnostic procedures. Skin tests, immune complexes, patch tests and others are used to determine the type of adverse reaction. Part II examines non-allergic adverse effects of different classes of excipients: hulk materials, coatings, Havorings, and colors, Following a brief discussion of the usage of the material, adverse reactions which have been reported for the excipient are described. The discussion compares the amounts of excipient generally used in medicaments to the amounts needed to elicit the side effects. The comprehensive survey includes buffers, preservatives, propellants, materials used for microencapsulation. and packaging materials. Part III addresses allergic reactions for the same classes of excipients, Immunologic reactivity according to type, and pseudoallergic responses are documented. Coloring agents are classified according to chemical class. Tartrazine-containing and tartrazine-free products are listed. Device materials are discussed in part IV Although there are only a few documented reports on adverse reactions, concerns about several different devices, appliances and delivery systems are presented. The effects of plasticizers, colorants and additive materials are cited. Each chapter is accompanied by an extensive list of references. In addition to an index, the authors have provided a section derived from the Inactive Ingredient Guide prepared by the Food and Drug Administration. This list includes inactive ingredients in currently marketed drug products, grouped by route of administration. . The current trend is for pharmaceutical manufacturers to include the inactive ingredients on labels and in package inserts. In the event of an adverse reaction, this book can help physicians attribute the clinical observation to an excipient in the medication. The industrial pharmaceutical scientist or practicing pharmacist who are involved in compounding dosage forms can use this volume to assist in the selection of excipients. The collation of information relating to abnormal responses and acceptability of excipients is a valuable single source of reliable
16
information. The text is readable and encompasses a broad range offormulation materials, including many which are being formulated into new drug delivery systems. A few typographic errors do not detract from the usefulness of this book as a reference. The index, tables and the organization of the chapters allow multiple access to the wealth of information. ]ames A. Fattu, M.D. Ph.D. East Hanover; New Jersey
CURRENT THERAPY OF RESPIRATORY DISEASE, 3rd ed, Edited by R":LJBEN N. CIIEHNIACIC Philadelphia: BC Decker, 1989, 372 pp, $58.50 The inclusion of 89 chapters by 146 contributors in a hook with only 361 pages of text suggests superficial coverage. However, this book achieves an admirable balance between brevitv and useful detail. A reasonable uniformitv has been achieved without submcrgiug the authors' individual styles. Th~ relative lengths and thoroughness of coverage of the chapters are appropriate for the topics. Most chapters progress appropriately from a brief introduction of the topic. to relevant pathophysiology, to management issues, with an emphasis on new developments. Treatment recommendations are specific, hut controversies, personal opinions, and uncertainties are freely acknowledged. Tables and figures are used sparingly hut well. References are not called out in the text, but an average per chapter of six articles or books are listed as suggested reading. Occasional citations as late as 1987 or 1988 are found; most chapters cite the literature up to 1986. The hook is attractively produced; the print is small hut readable in the two-column format. This book is obviously is not intended as a textbook of pulmonology. A Iamiliaritv with chest disease is needed in order to benefit from the dis('ussio;ls. Almost a third of the chapters deal with specific infections, and treatment issues arc discussed in greater detail than are other clinical issues. Even the longer chapters - such as the one on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosisdevote most of their length to a discussion of management. This hook remains true to its stated purpose: hy limiting its emphasis, it distinguishes itself from the other pulmonary update hooks recently available. Approached as a review of new and current management of a hroad range of pulmonary disorders, this well written and tightly edited hook will he enjoyable and useful for the pulmonologist. It is a worthy successor to the previous two editions.
Arthur G. Robins, .\t.D. Manchester: New Hampshire
CRITICAL CARE. Edited by JOSEPH M. CIVI-:TT:\, ROBERT W TA...LOR, and ROBERT R. KIRBv. Philadelphia: JB Lippincott Company, 1988, 1,769 pp, $125.00 Critical care medicine is a burgeoning specialty, integrating many disciplines in the care of seriously ill patients. However, there is a need for a textbook which specifically addresses the problems of perioperative surgical patients. This book brings together many specialists (166 contributors) in an attempt to address the issues of surgical critical care. The structure of each chapter is focused initially on immediate concerns, with a subsequent expansion of the topic so that the book may be used both to treat acute problems as well as serve as a comprehensive reference (although the size of this volume precludes carrying it around.) Selective presentation of subspecialty patients likely to be encountered in the leU setting (e~, vascular, transplant, cardiac surgery, and trauma) expands the applications of the text. The authors responsible for these chapters present the issues most likely to be of benefit for the surgical critical care specialist called upon to take care of their patients in the leu. Complex medical illnesses frequently complicate surgical disease; therefore, an ability to recognize and treat these, as well as make optimal use of the new technologies (invasive hemodynamic monitoring, pacemakers, and imaging), is important for practitioners. Descriptions of key points in technical procedures are accompanied by acceptable illustrations; however, I would not rely on this book alone for guidance in performing procedures. Limitations of current technologies, potential complications and common sources of errors are also cited. The section on metabolism and pharmacology gave somewhat short shrift to nutritional management of these patients, with little guidance for actual application and no discussion of alternative amino acid formulations. Reproduction of the entire pharmacy intravenous piggyback compatability chart is superfluous. However, in general, balanced reviews of controversial issues
Continued on page 19